Shortbread in the Highlands by Robin Jones Gunn

 Shortbread in the Highlands

Book Summary

"When friends meet, hearts warm."

Scottish saying

Cousins Nora and Allie are bound by a friendship that feels more like sisterhood, so when their Gran asks them to travel to Scotland on her behalf to claim an unexpected inheritance and unearth her old diary, they jump at this chance for the trip of a lifetime together.

When they arrive in Gran's childhood village, they run into roadblocks but use the delayed schedule to experience the beauty of Scotland. Over shortbread from the local bakery and a boat ride on Loch Lomond, through exploration of ancestral castles and autumn highlands, they wonder what God wants to teach them in this land of mist and heather.

Though they revel in their time together abroad, they find they've brought more baggage than just their suitcases. While Allie fears she may have to leave early to deal with issues back home, Nora struggles to understand all the unknowns before her. What is it about Scotland that keeps drawing her to this unfamiliar place?

As the truth of Gran's past comes to light, Allie and Nora must make weighty decisions. Will they learn to rely on the creative purposes of God, even if it means their lives will never be the same?

On this armchair trek to Scotland, Robin Jones Gunn takes readers on a journey of faith, friendship, and family. Themes of European travel, midlife adventures, and unexpected secrets make this inspirational women's fiction a perfect selection for Christian book clubs.

My Thoughts

Shortbread in the Highlands by Robin Jones Gunn completely swept me away to Scotland! I felt like I was right there enjoying the adventure with Nora and Allie. I love the author’s descriptive writing style because it makes the setting and characters come alive so easily. The story is filled with wonderful life lessons, and my favorite reminder was that secrets always have a way of coming to light. I also loved the faith message woven throughout the book. The mystery kept me interested, and I really enjoyed following the journey as everything unfolded. This third book in the Suitcase Sisters series is entertaining, heartfelt, and easy to enjoy even as a standalone. And as a fun bonus, there are recipes for mouthwatering shortbread at the end! This was a delightful, heartwarming escape that left me smiling—and craving shortbread!

Shortbread in the Highlands can be obtained from Amazon. The first two books in the Suitcase Sisters series are Tea with Elephants and Gelato at the Villa.  If you follow Robin Jones Gunn on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release. 

I will return on Wednesday, June 24 with The Ties that Bind by Linda Byler.  It is the second book in the Seekers series. I will be working in my garden this afternoon. My doctor wants me to spend fifteen to thirty in the sun each day to soak in natural Vitamin D. I will be sprinkling seeds for flowers to bloom in August and September.  I have cosmos, vinca, salvia, sunflowers, and different varieites of marigolds (one has green flowers).  I also have Mexican sunflowers (they are a small orange flower).  What do you have planned for the rest of the day?  May your day be filled with laughter and love.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.